Brandon Lee Spivack

Brandon Lee Spivack began his legal career in California in 2013 after receiving his LL.M. from the nationally recognized Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning and Tax. As an associate attorney at Gresham Savage Nolan &Tilden, Brandon had many opportunities to learn and expand his expertise beyond estate planning because of the support of his colleagues. Brandon learned the intricacies of proper business planning from his experienced colleagues in the business and tax departments. Other attorneys and staff in the real estate department taught Brandon how to confront challenging title issues that can arise during a probate or trust administration. His mentor and boss in the estate planning department demonstrated to Brandon how to pragmatically approach common and uncommon planning issues. Before leaving Gresham Savage, Brandon gained the knowledge and confidence to become a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization.

In 2018, Brandon moved his family to Walnut Creek to pursue an opportunity with one of California’s most reputable estate planning firms, Hartog Baer & Hand. As an associate in the planning department, Brandon spent most of his time handling tax issues for clients with significant wealth. He worked with clients to prepare Private Letter Ruling requests; devise and execute estate freezes; draft and file IRS Forms 706, 709, and 1041; and review business structures for tax planning opportunities. Brandon strengthened his skills as a tax attorney through the unique opportunities he received at HBH.

In both Northern California and Southern California, Brandon has had the privilege of working with charitable organizations and philanthropic clients to facilitate lifetime and testamentary gifting. He has worked closely with various Community Foundations to create Donor Advised Funds; draft charitable trusts; review pledge agreements, and establish charitable organizations. Brandon advises clients on entity governance, including mandatory reporting and compliance procedures to ensure charitable organizations maintain their good standing and tax-exempt status with the state and the federal government.

In 2019 and 2020, Brandon was recognized by his peers as a Rising Star. This award is given to 2.5 percent of attorneys below the age of 40 in California.